Hartford, Conn. (August 6, 2024) – For its second year, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and FOX61 are honoring individuals, groups and organizations who make a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment and/or education in Connecticut. Nominations for ImpaCT Awards were submitted by the public through June 28, 2024. An impartial judging committee reviewed award nominations and narrowed down three finalists per award category.
The finalists are as follows:
Unsung Hero Award: A person giving their all to their community in quiet and often thankless ways who may not be known outside of their community.
- Helen Nixon, Retired;
- Linda Hunter, Retired; and,
- Sandra Flagg, Retired.
Impactful Woman Award: A female leader whose mission is to help and empower other women, a true mentor and has dynamic energy and drive.
- Fereshta Ganjavi, Elena’s Light, Inc.;
- Ashleigh Backman, Connecticut Bar Foundation; and,
- Jacqueline Ford, Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Hartford Central office.
Impactful Emerging Leader Award: An up-and-coming changemaker on the fast track to leadership with a proven record of giving back.
- Jayme Bianca, Saint Matthew School;
- Tania Banks, Young Legends; and,
- Valeria Chavez, Casa VALIJO Rooftop.
Impactful Educator: An impactful educator – a teacher, professor, coach or tutor who has dedicated themselves to molding young minds.
- William Fluker, City of New Haven Public Schools;
- Laquita Joyner-McGraw, University of New Haven; and,
- Candace Donaldson, Posh Paint.
Impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: This award is given to an individual or a company that has a demonstrated track record of helping or working with underrepresented communities here in Connecticut.
- Covenant Preparatory School LLC;
- YWCA New Britain; and,
- Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad of Hartford, CT.
Community Organization Making an ImpaCT: A grassroots community group that goes above and beyond to improve their surroundings and help others.
- Open Doors Outdoors;
- Compass Youth Collaborative; and,
- Fostering Family Hope.
Small Business Making an ImpaCT: A small business that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture. This small business, with fewer than 100 employees, is innovative and helps create a better Connecticut.
- Browology;
- Connecticut Northstars; and,
- Cornerstone Counseling.
Company Making an ImpaCT: A company that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture and invests resources into volunteerism and philanthropy, creating a place to work that allows employees a chance to do good along the way.
- Adelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services;
- American Eagle Credit Union; and,
- Orthopedic Associates of Hartford.
“United Way is proud to recognize people who are taking action to create change in our communities. We received more than 150 nominations this year and we applaud the inspiring work of each nominee – particularly our finalists,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We are excited to be partnering with FOX61 to lift up those who are committed to making Connecticut a better place for resident across the state.”
United Way and FOX61 will also recognize the 2024 George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes an individual who has dedicated their life to service with the goal of making futures brighter for generations to come. The award is named in honor of the late George Bahamonde, who served as the President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for 12 years and was passionate about educational outcomes and opportunities for local children. The 2024 honoree is slated to be announced mid-August.
“We are proud to partner with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for the second Impact Awards,” said Liz Salvatore, Community Marketing Manager, FOX61 & CW20. “Every one of these finalists has an amazing story to tell and we can’t wait to share their accomplishments with the state of Connecticut. We hope the public joins us at the event in October along with watching our broadcast to celebrate these individuals, organizations and companies.”
The 2nd Annual ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will take place on October 25, 2025 at Hartford Marriott Downtown. Additionally, the ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will be broadcasted on FOX61 and will be streamed on FOX61+ on November 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in a special one-hour broadcast and available on FOX61+ to stream. Sponsorships are on sale now at CTImpactAwards.org and are eligible for charitable tax deductions. Tables and tickets will go on sale later this month.
Funds raised benefit United Way-supported initiatives that close gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy to make our community an equitable place where everyone succeeds.